The elegance and precision of dressage have captivated equestrian enthusiasts for centuries. While warmbloods, particularly Hanoverians and Dutch Warmbloods, currently dominate the elite levels of the sport, the world of dressage is increasingly embracing a wider array of breeds. From the athleticism of Spanish horses to the underestimated capabilities of ponies and the adaptability of Western breeds, there’s a perfect dressage partner for every rider.
Dressage, at its heart, is about achieving a harmonious partnership between horse and rider, emphasizing collection, quality of movement, and responsiveness to subtle cues. This philosophy makes the discipline accessible to riders of all skill levels and with various tack choices. The recent success of the United States Dressage team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with medals won on Hanoverian and Dutch Warmblood horses, highlights the prowess of these popular breeds.
Understanding Warmbloods in Dressage
Warmbloods, a category encompassing breeds like Hanoverians, Holsteiners, Westphalians, Oldenburgs, and Dutch Warmbloods, are the go-to mounts for upper-level dressage competitors. These horses are the result of meticulous breeding programs aimed at combining the athleticism of lighter riding horses with the substance of heavier draft breeds.
Bethany White, an experienced judge, clinician, and speaker, notes a significant shift in breed dominance over the decades. “The sport was dominated by thoroughbreds decades ago, but as breeding of these warmbloods has gotten better, the chance to breed a horse through artificial insemination (AI) has become more the norm,” she explains. “AI has been possible to breed more athletic horses so the chance at a higher quality breeding is much more accessible. We still see some thoroughbreds, but mainly we see a large array of warmbloods.” This accessibility through advanced breeding techniques has led to a greater prevalence of carefully selected warmbloods in the dressage arena.
Why Warmbloods Excel in Dressage
Warmbloods are particularly well-suited for dressage due to a combination of factors: their inherent athleticism, their superior gaits (walk, trot, and canter), remarkable elasticity, and generally amenable temperaments, though individual variations exist. Many warmbloods are bred to be “uphill” in conformation, a trait that naturally facilitates collection – a crucial quality assessed by judges on their scorecards.
“It takes years of developing muscle, stamina, suppleness, and strength,” White emphasizes. “An upper-level horse must also be willing and able to handle mental fatigue as well as physical fatigue. Finding a horse that can mentally handle the job can be much more difficult than simply finding a nice-moving horse.” This highlights that while physical attributes are important, the mental fortitude and willingness of a dressage horse are equally, if not more, critical for success at higher levels.
Diverse Breed Options in Dressage
While warmbloods are prominent, other breeds are increasingly making their mark in dressage competitions. Spanish-bred horses, such as the Lusitano and Andalusian, are gaining popularity. These breeds have a long history of use in bullfighting, a discipline that demands extreme athleticism and agility – traits that translate well to dressage movements. “I’ve witnessed this firsthand in Spain, and although I do not agree with the treatment of the bull, it was fascinating to watch these horses,” White remarks. “They move similarly to a horse in battle, which is the origin of dressage and being able to maneuver in battle.”
The Morgan horse is another breed proving its mettle in dressage, excelling in both Grand Prix and lower-level events. While they might not possess the exaggerated movement of some warmbloods, Morgans are athletic, willing partners with an uphill conformation. “They can easily put their weight back on their haunches and lift their backs, making them ideal dressage mounts,” White notes. “I think they are not as common since upper levels riders are generally looking for much bigger moving mounts. Morgans are gaining popularity in lower-level events and are also an ideal mount for working equitation, which also features a dressage phase.”
Small but Mighty: The Potential of Ponies
White points out that smaller breeds, like the Welsh pony, are often underutilized in higher-level dressage. Despite their athleticism and trainability, ponies tend to be overlooked in favor of larger horses. She recalls the success of “Seldom Seen,” a Connemara x Thoroughbred cross who, at just 14.2 hands, won Olympic gold with Lendon Gray. “Warmblood ponies have gotten more popular, but it seems that riding a large horse is a popular choice and I do think that many people prefer riding a bigger horse.” This suggests a potential opportunity for riders to explore the capabilities of well-bred ponies in dressage.
Dressage for All Horse Owners
The fundamental principle of dressage—a willing horse moving in harmony with its rider—makes the discipline accessible to horse owners regardless of their chosen breed or skill level.
Western Dressage: A Popular Alternative
Western dressage has become a favored discipline among riders who prefer a stock-seat style. Characterized by “lightness and harmony,” Western dressage judges look for relaxation and fluidity in the horse’s movements. Organizations like the Western Dressage Association of America host competitions dedicated to this discipline. Furthermore, horses registered with breed associations such as the American Paint Horse Association and the American Quarter Horse Association can earn points and prizes by participating in dressage competitions. White notes the inclusivity of Western dressage: “There is no ostracizing of breeds in western dressage,” she states. “It can make horses of other disciplines better by allowing those horses to develop bend and looseness.”
Driven Dressage: A Unique Challenge
For those who enjoy driving, dressage principles are also applied in combined driving competitions. This discipline features three phases: a cross-country course, a cones course, and a driven dressage test. Competitors can drive single horses, pairs, or four-in-hand teams, with a wide variety of breeds participating at all levels, including renowned events like the FEI World Equestrian Games. The US Equestrian Federation is actively involved in supporting these international equestrian competitions.
Making the Right Breed Selection for Dressage
When selecting a horse for dressage, consider conformation, attitude, and the quality of movement. While the competition arena may be dominated by warmbloods due to the search for large-moving horses, it’s important to remember that suitability to the rider’s ability is paramount. “Suitability of horse to the rider is a big deal. A lower-level rider can develop feel and awareness on a Quarter Horse, Morgan, Thoroughbred, Appaloosa, or any horse that is suitable to the rider’s ability,” explains White. “A rider can learn to ride upper-level movements on any horse that has the experience and training.”
Many horses of mixed or unknown heritage can excel at lower levels. Focus on the horse’s temperament and movement, and assess whether it’s a comfortable and suitable partner for your specific goals. Don’t feel pressured to invest a fortune; a well-suited horse is often more valuable than an expensive one.
